This week we're talking with creative musical supremo Alice Zawadzki - an astonishing singer, violinist and composer. We explore her journey into music via the influences of New Orleans and music colleges, her approach to creativity and reflections on the natural world, and her unbridled and broad appetite for music in all its forms and types. Obvi…

This week we're talking with Mark Armstrong - trumpeter, composer, arranger and artistic director of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. We discover all sorts from tales, from dusty old trumpet shops in to dodgy student band names, from fabulous young NYJO musicians to awesome players in the world's greatest bands - it's a musical big band treat! Ma…

This week we're joined by the super talented and very interesting Alex Webb - pianist, composer, arranger and serial collaborator. We chat about his fabulous new album British Standard Time featuring Jo Harrop, Carroll Thompson, Luca Manning and Tony Momrelle, reflect on the jazz scene in the UK in some depth and explore all the motivations behind …

This week we're in conversation with Jess Gillam MBE, presenter of the This Classical Life Podcast as well as being a hugely talented saxophonist and awesome performer. We chat about all sorts including her musical pathways into professional life, her influences, and her reflections on the importance of music for mental wellbeing. Oh, and we discus…

This week we're joined by Tara Minton and Ed Babar to find out more about their new album, 'Two for the Road'. We chat about all sorts including Tara's musical journey from Australia to the UK, the influence of early education on Ed, and learn why Lithuania and The Netherlands are go to jazz countries! Their album recommendations include: Blue by J…

We launch 2022 and Series 9 of the WJJ Podcast in conversation with UK saxophonist Dave O'Higgins. We talk about his journey into music, the influences on route, and the people he's played with and those he continues to create with, having come through the jazz scene of the 1980s playing alongside Mark Nightingale and Gerard Presencer to forming ne…

We round off 2021 with a hugely enjoyable conversation with celebrated cellist, singer & composer Ayanna Witter-Johnson. We talk about playing on the big stage, balancing musical interests, and all the many influences that have made Ayanna such an original and in-demand musician. Ayanna's album choices include: Africa to America: The Journey of the…

In our penultimate episode of 2021 we chat with Barney Stevenson, who's the artistic director of the Marsden Jazz Festival based in Yorkshire, England. Soon to celebrate 30 years, we chat about how the festival survived lock-down and invented some new online offerings, how their audience has developed over the years, and how they've supported new m…

A festive podcast journey aboard our star-packed Polar Jazz Express as we travel through the snow-capped highlands of Watford to a little place called ‘Jazzmas’. We’re joined by jazzman & sax player to the stars Ben Castle, Tomorrow’s Warrior & all-round sparkling jazz legend Camilla George, super classy classical soprano Lotti Newstead, & shimmeri…

In this week's bumper episode we take the time out to talk with Anthony Kerr, professor of jazz vibraphone at the Royal College of Music, and a long time vibist on the world jazz scene. We explore the importance of mental and physical well-being for musicians, the conditions for a perfect jazz gig, the Belfast, Dublin, New York and London jazz scen…

Unc D (musicians Dante Basista & Danny Svenson) are an Ohio-based remix and production team who've seen a huge growth of interest across the last 18 months in their jazz-heavy tracks, influenced by the London scene. We chat about how UK jazz releases of the last 5 years (especially the work of Kamaal Williams and Brownswood Recordings) are so impor…

In our first crossing to India, we have a fabulous conversation with the talented and entertaining musicians behind the Indian world/jazz fusion band, MoonArra. Jagadeesh (guitar) and Madhuri (singer & songwriter) share their outlook of the Bangalore (Bengaluru) music scene, talk about the evolution of the band, and playing festivals the world over…

As you'd expect in the company of Ray Gelato, this is an extremely entertaining episode to conclude the current series. We chat about rhythm & blues, finding your chops in the company of great recordings from the past, and understanding what it is to perform and entertain whilst still being yourself. We talk about lots of the great tenor players fr…

We're still celebrating our first year anniversary as part of this fabulously entertaining and giggly conversation with pianist Zoe Rahman. We talk about all her educational stepping stones, influences and people that played a part in crafting her sound from Julian Joseph to Joanne Brackeen. We also talk about her latest award-winning composition w…

The WJJ Podcast turns 1-year old this week, and we celebrate in conversation with the hugely talented, funny and thoughtful pianist & composer Elliot Galvin. A long-time member of 2020 Mercury nominated jazz super-group Dinosaur, leader of his own trio and player in many other groups, Elliot talks about his journey into jazz, his relationship with …

In this week's episode we talk with pianist Greg Foat about his musical influences, his journey into jazz and his reflections on the current UK jazz scene. We discuss growing up on the Isle of Wight, his extensive record collection and his approach to working with other musicians and creating great collaborations. Plus there's a bonus appearance by…

In this week’s episode we chat with the fabulous singer and songwriter Jo Harrop. We chat about her new album 'The Heart Wants', working with Christian McBride, being feted by Iggy Pop, playing on the London scene, and responding to the joys and pains of life through song-writing. There’s lots of laughs, some deep dives into the healing power of mu…

In this week’s episode we chat with the very talented pianist, composer and arranger Paul Edis. We chat about his latest album "The Still Point of the Turning World", his creative processes when working within classical and jazz genres, and who he turns to for support as a musician and a creator. There’s of course a very taxing quiz(!), an evolutio…

In this week's episode with chat with Italian-born singer Irene Serra. She shares more about her journey to the UK via Copenhagen and Milan, settling in to jazz life in Hackney, developing her fabulous band ISQ and her creative influences including dance. We discuss her upcoming album, remixing and listening to music and of course there's a quiz, t…

In this week's episode, Chris is joined by his lovely siblings Lotti and Jim. Lotti is a concert soprano & music appreciation tutor; Jim is a rock drummer and online music reviewer. We all 3 pick a different album to share and contrast as we reflect on musical spiritualism across the contrasting worlds of classical, rock and jazz music. There's als…

This week the singer and composer Esther Bennett talks with us about her journey through jazz in the UK across the last 30+ years. She shares stories about her musical evolution in Birmingham and then onto the scene in 1980's London. She talks passionately about her musical relationship with the late Duncan Lamont, and some of the hurdles she's fac…

This week's guest in pianist, writer and all round music-man, Chris Ingham. We chat about his writing gigs with MOJO and interviewing Paul Simon, researching the songbooks of Hoagy Carmichael and Gil Evans, and of course, his October 2021 gig in Watford shining a light on the jazz of the brilliant Dudley Moore. We also find time to explore the infl…

Chris is joined by Mauritian singer and composer Rouhangeze for a fascinating conversation about her musical path from an Indian Ocean island to Europe. We chat about her creative partnerships with Tomasz Bura and Linley Marthe and her 5-year journey to write, record and produce her new upcoming album 'evasio'. We explore the spiritual dimensions o…

Series 6 kicks off chatting with the acclaimed and hugely talented pianist and composer Fergus McCreadie. We chat about the ever-potent influence of the natural world and his musical journeys around creating his 2 highly successful albums. Plus there's a very special Scottish-themed quiz, and a review of our ever challenging fantasy house-band! Alb…

In our series 5 finale, we're joined by composer, producer and uncategorisable musician Shri Sriram. We chat about the value placed on music by society. We chat about bridging the music of India and the rest of the world. We chat about drum n bass, "jazz", classical music, jamming, not being able to read Western music, the inspiration of the Himala…

In this episode, Chris is joined by soprano singer Charlotte Newstead for a ranging discussion around improvisation and performance. Comparing and contrasting the experiences of the classical world and the jazz world they explore the influence of JS Bach and Charlie Parker, tackle the risks of musical freedom & musical exactness, and generally have…

Georgina Jackson joins us for a very energised chat about jazz life in Watford and on the high seas! There's chat about flugel horns, making it in a big band, combining trumpeting and singing, leading your own band and ultimately enjoying what you do. There's another tremendous top ten quiz challenge, fantasy house band review (sorry James Morrison…

Luca Manning is this week's special guest. A Glaswegian born singer of growing renown we talk about his journey into jazz via soul, singing with NYJO, developing his style with Fergus McCreadie, playing at Ronnie Scott's and finding his feet on the UK jazz scene. He also fearlessly faces our inaugural Glasgow's Miles Better & Stars of Scottish Jazz…

In this very entertaining episode, Chris in joined by Steve Rubie, owner of the 606 Club in London. As a programmer, a promoter, musician and one-time chef, Steve looks back across a 40-year career running Chelsea's most famous club. He talks about mentoring Ronnie Scott gave him in the early days and reflects on loads of wonderful musicians who've…

Chris chats with sitar supremo and composer Jasdeep Singh Degun about all his musical junctions across Indian classical music, classical music, rock and, of course, jazz. Jasdeep talks about the complexities of collaboration, the heritage of the sitar and its place in the Indian classical music canon, the role of philosophy in his musical approach,…

Chris chats with virtuoso jazz clarinetist Adrian Cox about all his many jazz and musical junctions. Adrian talks about his early influences including the Pasadena Roof Orchestra through to his admiration of Edmond Hall. We also undertake our inaugural live clarinet Q&A! Adrian is full of energy and great tales of jazz derring-do, the rights & wron…

Chris is joined by free jazz improviser and bass player, John Pope. We chat about John's influences from Ornette Coleman to the natural world, from Rage Against the Machine to The Blues Brothers. We get the inside track on the Newcastle and northern jazz scene and play an astonishing round of our new 'Bass Deluxe Fretted Finger Bamboozling Brain Bu…

This week Chris is joined once again by his brother Jim Newstead. It all gets quite deep(!) as we get embroiled around the edges of chaos theory, lose our way around Talking Heads and think more about the relationship of the composer and the musician with their audience. As always there's plenty of jazz talk and discovery of new musical junctions. …

In this bumper episode we chat with the legendary saxophonist & composer Tim Garland. Grammy-winning and feted for his huge musical range, Tim has been a significant figure in world-wide jazz for many years. We talk about his albums, his 2 decades of working with the late great Chick Corea, what it was like starting off his career playing alongside…

We continue season 4 with a hugely enjoyable chat in conversation with saxophonist Denys Baptiste. A giant of the London jazz scene, Denys's sound is instantly recognised, along with his fantastic back catalogue of stellar albums. We chat about musical progress and coming out of lockdown, saxes and bass clarinets, and his many junctions and influen…

We start season 4 chatting with the very funny, talented and knowledgeable Anne Frankenstein. Anne is a familiar voice on Jazz FM and a very popular live DJ, playing around London, the UK and worldwide. We chat about the pressures and joys of presenting jazz to the world, tackle our exciting new '10 questions in 2 minutes' super feature(!), and as …

The hugely talented and funny James Morrison joins us for our Season 3 finale. A musical polymath and multi instrumentalist, James is well known to many from opening the 2000 Olympic Games, playing in the world's finest venues and hosting Top Gear Australia. This hugely enjoyable conversation ranges from what is was like playing alongside Dizzy Gil…

This week Chris is joined by the wonderful Daniel Casimir: bassist, composer, producer and all round lovely person. There's a reason every one wants him in their band! We chat about his journey, his latest compositions (watch out for the new album later in 2021) and working with the current cream of the crop across the London jazz scene. He plays a…

In this genre-busting mid-season special, Chris is joined by his charming siblings: YouTube reviewer & musician Jim Newstead and classical soprano Charlotte Newstead. They discuss the importance and relevance of musical genres, get to grips with the evolution of Western modern music, and compare and contrast opinions across their own specialist sty…

In this fantastic episode, singer-songwriter and guitarist Jelly Cleaver talks about jazz and her musical junctions. A rising star on the London-scene, Jelly plays & writes with pared-back precision and beauty. We chat about her route into music, social activism and DIY punk (of course!). Jelly's album choices include: Lady Sings the Blues by Billi…

In this fabulous episode, sax player and clarinetist Ben Castle talks about his jazz journey and all the junctions en route. A fount of great stories, Ben shares tales from his exceptional musical journey including meeting Stevie Wonder in Buckingham Palace (as you do), playing with scores of wonderful musicians from the worlds of jazz, pop and roc…

To launch Season 3, Chris is joined by saxophonist and MOBO-nominee Camilla George, to discuss her music, her journey into jazz, and her new 3rd album! Camilla, who leads her own band, has also been an influential member of Tomorrow's Warriors, Jazz Jamaica, Venus Warriors and the Nu Civilisation Orchestra. She discusses her influences, helps Chris…

Chris is joined by pianist James Pearson, to discuss his music and working life in the UK's most famous jazz club, with more famous name drops than the Jazz Junction has ever contended with! In our series 2 finale, James, artistic director at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, recounts tales of jazz derring do including the appearances at the club of Lady G…

Chris is joined by conductor Clark Rundell, to discuss his approach to music, working with many of the world's jazz greats and orchestras. Clark, professor of conducting at the Royal Northern College of Music, is a versatile and globally-in-demand musician. Hear him talk about current projects with Esperanza Spalding & Wayne Shorter, what challenge…

Chris is joined by tenor sax player, composer and educator Dean Masser, to discuss his journey into jazz, reflections on improvisation, the influence of the great tenorists, really really listening to albums, and what it's like working on the UK scene. Dean is one of the most in-demand tenor players in the UK and can be heard ('out of lockdown') in…

Chris is joined by musician and composer Eddie Parker, to discuss the creative & technical process in lock-down, musical influences, the role of the natural environment for wellness, Loose Tubes and all sorts of jazz en route. Eddie's career as a flautist-extraordinaire has threaded a creative line between the classical and jazz worlds. He talks ab…

Chris is joined by his brother, musician and composer Jim Newstead, to discuss mental wellness, great albums and the importance of listening to music. Jim's YouTube channel has racked up hundreds of thousands of views across the last 3 years. Across this time Jim has received countless recommendations for tracks to review, including Snarky Puppy, H…

Chris is joined by jazz musician and composer, Faye MacCalman. Faye shares her journey into jazz, explores free improvisation, explains her new compositions for BBC Sounds, rates the Lancaster Jazz Festival, chooses her 3 favourite albums of all time, and replaces a member of our house band! Wow! Faye’s album listing includes: Clouds by Joni Mitche…

Chris reviews 5 gigs held in the second half of this year's EFG London Jazz Festival (13-22 November 2020). Most of the gigs reviewed should still have their streams available to watch for free, linked from the LJF website. Using a exceptionally complex and subtle scoring structure(!) Chris reflects on performances from Yazz Ahmed, Kansas Smitty's,…

Chris reviews 4 gigs and a conversation that were held in the first half of this year's EFG London Jazz Festival (13-22 November 2020). All the gigs reviewed should still have their streams available to watch for free on the LJF website. Using a complex scoring structure(!) Chris reflects on performances from Guy Barker's 'Jazz Voice', Jasdeep Sing…